Leeds' James Donaldson has endured “tough” times recently so is looking forward to now making every chance count.
The experienced forward, 31, lines up in the big Betfred Challenge Cup sixth round tie against holders Wigan on Saturday. But facing the same opponents in last week’s Super League clash was his first outing since mid-March. Donaldson, normally a regular, was axed by Leeds boss Rohan Smith and left out for eight games.
He dug in to help 12-man Rhinos sensationally beat Wigan 40-18 and is hoping for a repeat result this afternoon - just hopefully without getting a player sent-off. The ex-Bradford star said: “It felt really rewarding to be back. It’s been a tough time not being in. We won at St Helens and I found myself not in the team the week after following a good win and not a bad performance.
“It was tough to take and as the weeks went by it got tougher and tougher. But in the long-run it’ll definitely make me a better player and a better person as the tough times definitely bring the best out of you. You do appreciate it more when you do get the opportunity to play again. Now I’ll try and make a bigger impact on the team - and keep that spot.”
Donaldson, one of the hardest workers in Super League, spoke to Smith about why he was suddenly dropped. He played one game on dual-registration at Championship Bradford and said: “With me being frustrated, we did have a number of conversations over the time I wasn’t playing. But when you’ve got internationals coming back in like Mikolaj Oledzki it’s always going to be hard.
"He did tell me I wasn’t doing anything wrong and he didn’t need a lot more from me. But I knew I needed to give more on the field to get back in the side.”
Leeds overcame Zane Tetevano’s first half red card to recover from 14-6 down to remarkably win at DW Stadium. But he expects Matt Peet’s side to fire back today. Donaldson, who won the Challenge Cup with Leeds in 2020, said: “Wigan aren’t up near the top for no reason. They have a lot of strike players with dangers all over the park and with the mentality they have, we know they’ll come out with a response.
“But we all want to get back to Wembley. You dream of playing in finals as a kid. I’ve been there twice already - once with Hull KR and once with Leeds - and I’m still hungry to get back there. That’s our aim.”
Donaldson also aims to earn a new deal at Headingley. He is out of contract at the end of this season but, after four years and nearly 100 games for the club, does not want to leave. He said: "There's no news yet. I want to stay at Leeds; that’s where I want to be. But I’ve got a family to provide for as well and that’s what I have to sort. I don’t want to be anywhere else, though, so hopefully I can get a new deal."
